A method is provided for protecting a virgin surface of a tire innerliner
from contamination by a release agent during curing. A pressure-sensitive
adhesive (PSA)-coated thermoformable film is pressed onto an exposed
virgin surface of a green tire innerliner to adhere the PSA to the virgin
surface and thereby form a protected green innerliner. The PSA is based
on a rubber that is compatible with the rubber of the tire innerliner.
The protected green innerliner is then exposed to the release agent, and
cured. By virtue of the PSA, the film stays reliably in position. The
thermoformable film is then removed to reveal the cured virgin surface
substantially free of the release agent.